Author Question: A patient comes to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during a rape. The patient ... (Read 58 times)

kamilo84 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient comes to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during a rape. The patient abruptly decides to decline treatment and return home. Before the patient leaves, the nurse should:

a. tell the patient, You may not leave until you receive prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
b. provide written information concerning the physical and emotional reactions that may be experienced.
c. explain the need and importance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
d. offer verbal information about legal resources.

Question 2

A patient in the long-term reorganization phase of the rape trauma syndrome has experienced intrusive thoughts of the rape and developed a fear of being alone. Which finding demonstrates the patient has made improvement? The patient:

a. temporarily withdraws from social situations.
b. plans coping strategies for fearful situations.
c. uses increased activity to reduce fear.
d. expresses a desire to be with others.

jomama · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
All information given to a patient before he or she leaves the emergency department should be in writing. Patients who are anxious are unable to concentrate and therefore cannot retain much of what is verbally imparted. Written information can be read and referred to at later times. Patients cannot be kept against their will or coerced into receiving medication as a condition of being allowed to leave. This constitutes false imprisonment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The correct response shows a willingness and ability to take personal action to reduce the disabling fear. The incorrect responses demonstrate continued ineffective coping.